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Girlfriends in God - March 15, 2007

2007Mar 15

COMMENTS

March 15, 2007

Someone is Always Watching You

By Michelle Adams

I hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions. We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends. From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry. We call them our "Friday Friends." So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend", Michelle Adams

Today’s verse

Philippians 2:12Wherefore my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Friend to Friend

I was talking to a dear friend of mine and she gave me some good advice. She said to me and I quote, “Remember you are only playing for an audience of one.” She was telling me I only have to please my Heavenly Father and not people. I must follow the leadership of Christ in my life at all cost. We absolutely cannot be followers of any one other that Jesus.

I know sometimes it’s difficult to take a stand for the truth; it’s not always popular with the crowd. I have finally figured out that I’m not here to win a popularity contest but I am here to serve Christ. We can never please all the people all the time. That just is not humanly possible.

I immediately thought of the last part of this scripture when my friend gave me that tidbit of wisdom. I got my Bible out and begin to read the whole verse over and over again. I wrote it down and really meditated on all the words in Philippians 2:12.

Basically, Paul is telling those at Philippi to be obedient whether he is there or not. People sometimes have a habit of being on their best behavior when the Pastor is around. Really, we should behave ourselves the same at home, as we do at church. We’ve got to be authentic. We have to be real; we should be the same no matter where we are or who we are with.

As a student in the 8th grade, I learned a very important lesson. I got into some trouble at school and my parents were called in for a conference. My mother sat me down and explained to me that my behavior was a direct reflection on her and my dad. Mother said that if I behaved badly then people would look down on my parents and blame them. On the other hand, if I was obedient and respectful people would think highly of my parents and commend them.No greater truth has ever been spoken. Think about it how many unbelievers look at the Christian community and comment if he/she is going to Heaven then I have nothing to worry about. You know they are looking for the very character and personality of Christ in us. Why shouldn’t they? Isn’t that what we claim as Christians to be Christ-like?

Do you realize that your behavior is a direct reflection of your Heavenly Father, your very Lord and Savior? It is if you’re a Christian, the world is looking for God in your life. The way you act also reflects on your church. Your very life every day is a witness. Someone is always watching you. A spiritual authority figure may not always be there in the flesh but God sees everything. People are also watching so we need to be very cautious of the example we set.We all have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. This relationship is a personal one between you and God. No one else can interfere with that unless you allow them to. We can’t let other people’s opinions sway us in righteous living. We must rely on God for instruction. We must stand on the truth of God’s word and follow His commands.

Respect authority and heed Godly counsel but know for yourself what the Bible says and what is Godly. Don’t ever look to the left or the right but look straight ahead, keep your focus on Christ. People say and do all sorts of things but know what God says about it. When the Day of Judgment comes blaming someone else will not be an option so stand on the Word at all cost.

The way to reach the world is by letting the love of Christ flow through your life. Set an example at all times in all things. Walk uprightly before your Lord and let them see something different in you. Tell people about what He has done for you.It’s time we learn obedience in all things, not just when someone is watching us but in the private places when we’re all alone. God is looking for willing servants. I know if we will just play for the audience of the One True God, as He directs our steps, then we will display His love and glory by shining His light in a dark world.

Let’s pray

Heavenly Father, teach me obedience in every area of my life. Help me, Lord, to be authentic, to be the real thing. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness and plant in me a pliable heart that’s soft in your hands. A heart that you can mold and shape according to your will. A heart that reveals your love to every person I meet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now it’s your turn

Memorize today’s verse.

Evaluate your life “race” by determining who your audience really is.

Begin with one area of your life.Be brutally honest.Who is your audience?What steps do you need to take in order to focus on God and His plan for this area of your life?